Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere has said he feels sorry for Hatem Ben Arfa, who has failed to make an impact at PSG after his summer move.

After a turbulent time at Newcastle, the winger shone during his time at Nice which sealed a move to the Ligue 1 champions, but hasn’t been able to replicate his form so far.

“I have a great affection for Hatem. He is a boy I like because he did some great things at the club, and on the human level. I’m sorry for him for this. I want to say, ‘hang on, do not give up’. It will come because he has real talent,” Rivere told French broadcaster L’Equipe.

His team-mates Thiago Motta and Adrien Rabiot have implored Hatem Ben Arfa to remain patient and wait for his chance to shine at Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG won 3-0 at home to Dijon in Ligue 1 on Tuesday, with head coach Unai Emery leaving Ben Arfa out of the matchday squad for the third game in succession.

The playmaker has completed 90 minutes only once this this season, in the Trophee des Champions, and both Motta and Rabiot understand it must be a difficult situation for the 29-year-old.

“I’m glad to see a player of his quality in the squad,” Motta told RMC. “We are a lot of players and it’s not easy for the coach to make his choice.

“For Hatem, the advice I can give him is to continue working. He is a great player, he demonstrated that last year and he will get opportunities.​